If you thought cleaning up after your household was hard, can you imagine cleaning a space responsible for millions of passengers each year? It’s all in the job description for Felix Metto… a dedicated cleaner from Trident Services Australia. Felix and his hardworking co-workers are the unsung heroes who work around the clock to make sure the airport stays clean, tidy and hygienic.
Felix shares his experience cleaning at Brisbane Airport and highlights the important role his work plays in enhancing the airport experience for passengers.
When it comes to Brisbane Airport, for Felix, the connection is personal.
“This is the same airport I landed at, so it is my airport. It means a lot to me.”
When asked what he enjoyed when joining the team at Brisbane Airport, Felix replied, “The best thing was the reception when I first came here. Someone came and took me in, showed me the way to go.”
Just as important as welcoming passengers, is a welcoming environment for all staff.
Brisbane Airport places great emphasis on creating a friendly and supportive environment for all its employees, whether they are new hires or seasoned professionals. This inclusive approach extends to everyone, from baristas and cleaners to pilots, ensuring that every team member feels valued and connected.
Working as a cleaner within an airport is a significant responsibility because it requires attention to detail, adherence to stringent security protocols, and effective communication among all staff members to ensure the smooth operation of the airport. Our work impacts thousands of passengers and hundreds of flights daily.
Felix takes great honour and satisfaction in his role as a cleaner – “I take responsibility and pride for what I do.”
Cleaning at an airport entails a wide variety of responsibilities, none of which are taken lightly for the health, safety, and comfort of our passengers. Brisbane Airport’s cleaners seamlessly ensure corners are free of cobwebs, windows are without fingerprints, tables are wiped, bathrooms are sanitised, and rubbish is cleared and transported to waste sorting areas.
“People come to Brisbane Airport early and stay here, wait for their flight, because they know they have a clean and comfortable environment to transit in. That gives me satisfaction.”
Cleaning is crucial to the passenger experience as it ensures a hygienic and pleasant environment. This prevents the spread of illnesses, reduces hazards, and creates a welcoming atmosphere – an outcome which Felix states to be incredibly motivating while working, and satisfying once tasks are complete.
“My hope is to see a passenger enjoying a meal because the tables are clean. Going to the bathroom and not rushing because it’s clean.” Felix said.
Though working in a busy environment with a consistent flow of people can be demanding, Felix has found managing workloads becomes easier with the help of a supportive team to turn to for assistance.
“It’s not hard because many hands make work easier,” Felix says.
With the right support from colleagues and supervisors, larger tasks quickly become achievable. Brisbane Airport fosters a collaborative work environment where challenges are met with guidance, all the while individuals can see the work they personally contributed to the bigger picture of the airport’s smooth running and customer’s happiness.
“It gets busy sometimes, but we manage it because we have our whole team, it’s not just me,” Felix explained.
Cleaning is thought by some to be an individual or isolated job with little interaction with others. This could not be further from the truth for Felix.
“This is a family. I have company here."